NCAA: San Beda fends off Mapua for third straight win, boosts playoff bid

San Beda University held off Mapua University, 61-57, to notch its third straight win and boost its playoff bid in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Thursday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

After trailing 30-23, San Beda turned the tables in the second half, limiting the Cardinals to just six points in the third quarter to take a 45-36 lead heading into the final frame.

Down 50-39 with around six minutes left in the fourth quarter, Mapua mounted an 11-1 run to close the gap to 51-50. Cyrus Cuenco knocked down three triples during the rally as the Cardinals made a late push.

However, Daniel Marcelo’s basket and free throws from Dom Sarigumba helped San Beda restore a 55-50 lead with 3:30 remaining.

The two teams then traded baskets down the stretch before Ken Dones pulled Mapua within two, 59-57, with 12 seconds left. But RC Calimag sank his free throws after being fouled by Cuenco to seal the victory for the Red Lions.

Marcelo led the Mendiola-based squad with 16 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while JC Bonzalida added 10 points and eight rebounds.

Cuenco’s 23-point effort went in vain for Mapua, while Yam Concepcion finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

San Beda improved to 8-3 in Group A, while Mapua slipped to 6-5.

Scores:

San Beda 61 - Marcelo 16, Bonzalida 10, Lina 9, RC Calimag 7, Jamora 6, Torculas 4, Hawkins 3, Sarigumba 2, Puno 2, Ugaddan 1, Etulle 1, Jalbuena 0 R. Calimag 0.

Mapua 57 - Cuenco 12, Concepcion 12, M. Nitura 6, Igliane 4, Diaz 3, Lazarte 3, Dones 2, Razon 2, Reyes 2, L. Nitura 0, Mendoza 0, Bernabe 0, Ryan 0.

Quarters: 12-17, 23-30, 45-36, 61-57.

—JKC, GMA News